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This is the bread that I served with my Goat’s Cheese Brulee. It also the bread that I have had for breakfast every day since the first time I made it two weeks ago. I love it.

It is packed with seeds and fruit and sweetened with honey. There is no yeast involved so no kneading, no proving and no waiting two hours for it to double in size. You just mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, tip it into a lined loaf tin and bake it for 1 hour 50 minutes.

I added flax seeds and flax meal (ground flax seeds) to the original recipe that I found on Cooking Through the Seasons. If you haven’t added flax meal to your diet yet here’s a few reasons why you should really think about it. This information is taken from About.com.

Flax Seed Nutrition

Flax seed is very low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for people who limit their intake of starches and sugars. And its combination of healthy fat and high fibre content make it a great food for weight loss and maintenance.

Flax Seed is Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are a key force against inflammation in our bodies. Mounting evidence shows that inflammation plays a part in many chronic diseases including heart disease, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and even some cancers.

Flax Seed is High in Fiber: You’d be hard-pressed to find a food higher in fibre than flax. This fibre is probably mainly responsible for the cholesterol-lowering effects of flax. Fibre in the diet also helps stabilize blood sugar, and, of course, promotes proper functioning of the intestines.

Flax Seed is High in Phytochemicals: Flax seed is high in phytochemicals, including many antioxidants. It is perhaps our best source of lignans, which convert in our intestines to substances that tend to balance female hormones. There is evidence that lignans may promote fertility, reduce peri-menopausal symptoms, and possibly help prevent breast cancer. In addition, lignans may help prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Flax seeds need to be ground to make the most of the nutrients available. This bread contains both flax meal and flax seeds. It is also de-licious.

Mix all the A ingredients in a large bowl. In another large bowl whisk together all the B ingredients. Add the B ingredients to the A bowl and mix everything until well combined.

Tip into the oiled and floured loaf tin and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with a few more sesame, sunflower & flax seeds.

Put in the preheated oven and bake at 180C for 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to 150C and bake for a further 90 minutes. Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin before turning out (if you can wait that is). You may need to run the knife around the edges and bang it upside down to get it out.

Cut yourself a thin slice with a serrated knife and toast under a hot grill for a few minutes. While it is still hot spread over some butter (or olive oil spread) and enjoy.

For your next slice (which will be straight after you have finished the first) you may want to add something like a Fig Compote but you may just want keep it simple. It’s so good with just butter. It’s good untoasted too, I just really love it toasted.

Okay I’ll stop gushing about it now, but only if you promise to try it…..

23 Responses to “Flax Seed, Raisin and Date Breakfast Loaf”

Great photos, as always. Flax seed is one of my favorite ingredients for bread. I like how dense yours is, so rich looking. When we were in Ireland and Scotland last year the breads were so hearty. You don’t see that here. Yes, I make my own, but still!

I don’t have celiac decease but still wonder how we could make this bread gluten-free. It seems so close to it and somehow I feel it is easily “convertible”.
The cross section photos are so appetizing, bravo!
When are you opening in bakery?😉

For our Thanksgiving weekend I have a whole house-full of guests! I’m trying to pull things together, and I’m sure this would even freeze well? I sprinkle flaxseed on my cereal, but this is a most deicious addition. And I would love to pair it with the Goat’s Cheese Brulee. Quite delicious! And your “happy” photos are amazing! I’d be happy, too! Debra

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